Preview of the Barcelona match against Valence in Liga
Absences and uncertainties in Barcelona: Marine Martin, Dani Olme, Marc, Bernal (Absess)
Absences and uncertainties in Valence: Thierry Correia, Cristhian Mosquera (absent), Maximiliano Caufriez, Mouctar Diakhaby, Rafa Mir, Umar Sadiq (uncertain)
Date/Time: Sunday, January 26, 2025, 9 p.m. this/wat (Barcelona and Nigeria), 8 p.m. GMT (United Kingdom), 3 p.m. and, 12 p.m. PT (USA), 1h30 Ist (India, Monday)
After an exciting victory in the middle of the week against Benfica in the Champions League, FC Barcelona is preparing for a crucial confrontation in Liga against Valence at the Olympic stadium of Montjuïc this Sunday evening.
The Blaugrana approach this match after a captivating victory in Lisbon, which revealed both their beautiful offensive capacity and concerns about their defensive vulnerabilities. Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny notably struggled with the high defensive line, a situation that must be corrected quickly.
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The planned return of Iñaki Peña should bring greater confidence and stability to the rear, thanks to his understanding of the tactical approach of Hansi Flick. However, the entire workforce must improve its performance to ensure a long -awaited victory in the league. Barcelona recorded only one victory in his last eight Liga games and has not scored several goals in the same match as one once since early December.
Historically, most of their difficulties have manifested themselves at home against teams from the bottom of the table, which makes the context even more important in the face of a Valencia team in search of success in its fight against relegation. A victory against Barça in Catalonia would be monumental for them, while the hosts feel the pressure of having to take the three points in a match they are supposed to dominate.
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Flick said that changes will be made to the team to revitalize the group and manage certain key players before their crucial UCL confrontation against Atalanta next week. However, whatever the composition he chooses, she must be able to secure a victory against Valence. Since the change of coach a month ago, Valence has progressed considerably, but it remains the type of adversary that Barcelona must overcome to assert his status as a pretender to the title.
Expected composition
Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Pain; Koundé, Araujo, Cubsí, Martin; Casadó, Of Jong; Yamal, Raphinha, Ferran; Lewandowski
Valence (4-2-3-1) : Mamaradahvili; Foulquier, tarrega, yak, gayà; War, Barrenechea; Lopez, Almeida, river; Durro
PREDICTION
This is not only a forecast; This is an expectation: Barcelona should win 3-0, illustrating the expected domination of a team wishing to find the title of La Liga. In the event of poor performance, this could suggest an exclusive focus on European ambitions this season.
